Fire Science

FCA-100: Introduction to Firefighting, Credits = 4Provides an overview of the fire service and the role of the firefighter. Several aspects of a career with the Fire Service will be explored beginning with the origins of the modern American fire service, the complexity of the organization, and an introduction to the activities involved in fire protection. Students must have acceptance into the Fire Science program to enroll.

FCA-115: Advanced Firefighting, Credits = 8Taught according to the standards of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and is the final segment in the FCA 111, FCA 113, and FCA 115 series. The course expands on the topics covered in the previous courses and will include hydraulics, sprinkler systems, fire prevention education, investigation, and multi-company operations. Upon completion of this segment, the student will be able to take the test for Level 1 Firefighter conducted by the state Fire Protection Bureau. Those who successfully complete the test will receive a certificate from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) that is recognized in 35 states and 19 countries. Prerequisite: FCA 111 or instructor permission.

FCA-130: Hydraulics, Credits = 3Consistent with the competencies identified in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards with primary emphasis on the duties and responsibilities of a pump operator. This is accomplished by learning the operating principles, theories, and construction of the apparatus, the maintenance, pumping, operating the pump, and the study of circulating hydraulics. Prerequisite: FCA 115. Recommended: MATH 75C.

FCA-137: Fire Protection Systems, Credits = 3Study of fire protection and detection systems with a focus on the introduction of sprinkler system operation, maintenance, and inspection. Includes basic system designs including wet, dry, deluge, and pre-action; various sprinkler heads; system parts including connections and valves; and system operation including water supply. Maintenance and inspection of sprinkler systems and fire department support are discussed. Additional topics include occupancies requiring non-water type systems, examination of carbon dioxide systems, halogenated systems, wet/dry chemical systems, and standpipe systems along with the fire department standpipe systems. Additionally, the course explores fire extinguishers, fire detection and alarm systems. Prerequisite: FCA 100 or instructor permission.

FCA-152: Building Construction, Credits = 3Overview of building construction engineering principles, fire and life safety concerns, hazardous materials/techniques, and related design factors. Significant course time concentrates on the hazards of various methods, techniques, components, and materials found in building construction. Special attention to lightweight construction techniques as well as strategic and tactical considerations for contemporary building design. Utilization of building construction knowledge for pre-planning fire potential is emphasized. Prerequisite: FCA 115 or instructor permission.

FCA-155: Fire Instructor I, Credits = 3The study, analysis, application and evaluation of teaching/instructional methodology. Presentation of educational information and skills to fellow Fire Science students and the general public is emphasized. Course is consistent with competencies identified by the NFPA 1041 Standard. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the Fire Science program.

FCA-177: Wild Land Fire Management, Credits = 3Designed for firefighters that are confronted with a wild land fire situation and will focus on developing entry level wild land firefighting skills, emphasizing firefighter safety. The course complies with the PNWCG S-130/S-190 course requirements for entry level wild land firefighting. Prerequisite: FCA 111 or equivalent training.

FCA-190: Uniform Fire Codes and Inspections, Credits = 4Study of the Uniform Fire Code as it applies to fire prevention inspections at the fire company level. Includes the Fire Code's relationship to the Uniform Building Code and other recognized standards. Special attention is given to the establishment and maintenance of model codes, the inspection process, and developing an understanding of the administrative section of the Uniform Fire Codes and the Uniform Building Codes. Discussion of public relations and alternate methods and materials give the course a realistic approach to field applications. Prerequisite: FCA 115 or instructor permission.

FCA-299: Leadership, Credits = 3Introduces the Fire Science student to leadership and influencing skills among emergency personnel. It will explain why effective leadership begins with personal insight and development, describe various leadership models, explore the value of trust in an organization, how to acquire personal influence, and how leaders create a work environment fostering leadership in others. In addition, the students will discuss the decision-making process especially in a crisis. Prerequisite: FCA 115 or instructor permission.